Tired of the same old typical Halloween costumes. You know the ones….vampire, witch, or mummy. It also seems that everyone just “has” to wear the latest movie craze costume as well, like a Batman Begins costume. Maybe it’s time to come up with a more unique and funny Halloween costume…just to be different.
If you’re somewhat crafty and handy with a sewing machine, many amusing costume ideas can be pretty simple to make. It just takes a bit of ingenuity and creativity. Even so, if you don’t have the time or patience to create your own Halloween costume, maybe a friend of yours can help. As a last (or perhaps first?) resort, you can also buy most of these costumes online although it will just cost you a bit more.
So for those wanting something a bit different this year, here are 3 funny Halloween costumes that are easy to make. Perfect for those couples that like to dress up together!
**Plug and Socket**
Materials needed: black cotton material, heavy white iron on interfacing, large square piece of foam (enough to fit around hips), scrap cardboard, gold colored paint, hot glue and gun, black long sleeved shirt, black pants.
1. For the electrical outlet costume, measure from your knees up to your shoulders, then double this length and cut. For the width, measure from shoulder tip to shoulder tip and add an inch. Cut your current length of material to the proper width.
2. Fold the material in half width-wise (ie. if you hold the material in front of you it still falls the full length from shoulder to knees). Cut a hole out of the folded end so your head will fit through. Hem the opening.
3. Slip the material over your head so that it’s inside out. Carefully pin the material together 3 to 4 inches below your underarms on each side. Remove the costume and sew seams from the bottom up to your underarm pins. Hem the bottom of the costume.
4. Cut out 2 large socket shapes from the white iron-on interfacing. Carefully cut two rectangles out of the inside of each socket shape (where you “plug” would go). Iron the sockets to the front of the outfit, one above the other.
5. Dress in a black shirt and black pants (or skirt). Slip the costume on and you’re done.
6. For the Plug Costume, take the white foam and carefully cut a whole through the back third of the foam piece (not in the center – you want more foam in front to act as the “plug”). Step into the foam and slide it up over your hips. You made need to adjust the opening to fit. If necessary, make two black straps and attach them with a glue gun to the inside front and back openings of the foam and slip the straps over your shoulders to hold the foam in place.
7. Cut 2 “metal plug connections” from the scrap cardboard. Paint with gold paint. Let dry and then carefully slice into the front of the foam to position the plugs. Hot glue into place. Your “plug” costume is finished.
**Traffic Lights**
Materials needed: yellow cotton fabric, 2 squares each of red, green and dark yellow felt, matching colored thread or iron-on double-sided interfacing.
1. As above, cut a tabard from the yellow cotton. Measure from knee to shoulder, double the length and cut. Figure out the width by measuring from shoulder to shoulder and cut your length of material to the proper width.
2. Hem all edges. Fold in half and cut a semi-circle on the fold to fit your head through. Hem the opening. Cut two 4” wide strips of yellow material about 5” to 6” in length (this will vary depending on how large or small you are). Slip the costume on and pin the straps to the back and front on each side near your waist. Sew into place. You might also choose to hem the sides as in Step 3 of Plug and Socket Costume.
3. Cut a red circle, dark yellow circle and green circle. Position on the front of the costume. You can either sew these one or use double-faced iron-on interfacing to secure. Wear black pants and a black, long sleeved jersey underneath.
**Tacky Tourists**
Items needed: white Bermuda shorts, tacky Hawaiian shirts, tacky sandals (for the men, don’t forget to wear socks with your sandals), beach comber hats, plastic flowered leis’, white zinc ointment, camera, straw beach bag, large funky sunglasses.
1. Just dress up. Add some of the zinc across your noses (don’t want sunburn!) and you’re good to go.
And there you have it. Three costumes that are simple to make and fun to wear. All it takes is a look around your house to find “pairs” of items that could be turned into funny Halloween costumes that would be perfect to wear as a couple this year.
Author Resource Information:
(c) 2005. Rose Smith is the owner of HalloweenHowl.com a website filled with Halloween party ideas, costumes, decorations, games, graphics, crafts and more. It's Halloween fun for all ages! Come visit us at: http://www.halloweenhowl.com/halloween-costumes.shtml
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